Blind date is Saturday’s dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online attheguardian.comevery Saturday. It’s been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together here.

What questions will I be asked?

We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what’s on your mind.

Can I choose who I match with?

No, it’s a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be.

Can I pick the photograph?

No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones.

What personal details will appear?

Your first name, job and age.

How should I answer?

Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online.

**Will I see the other person’s answers?**No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details.

**Will you find me The One?**We’ll try! Marriage! Babies!

**Can I do it in my home town?**Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere.

How to apply

Email blind.date@theguardian.com

Was this helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

Would you introduce Brodie to your friends?

I think they’d all get along very well. We had quite a lot in common.

Describe Brodie in three words.

Open, friendly and charming.

What do you think Brodie made of you?

Hopefully that I was funny and a good enough way to spend a Saturday night.

Did you go on somewhere?

No. We stayed in the restaurant until quite late, but my jet lag from a recent trip and the mountain of curry we ate caught up with me.

And … did you kiss?

No, just a friendly hug. I don’t think there was any romantic chemistry.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?

Maybe the seating arrangement: morally, I am very against sitting elbow to elbow.

Marks out of 10?

Would you meet again?

I don’t think so. Brodie was lovely and a great chat, but I was hoping for someone a bit older. Maybe I’ll see him out door-knocking at the next election.

View image in fullscreen

Lily and Brodie on their date.

View image in fullscreen

Brodie on Lily

What were you hoping for?

Meet someone new without having to resort to Hinge; a laugh and a free meal.

First impressions?

Lily was a lot better dressed than me. And had an accent I couldn’t place.

What did you talk about?

Ceilidhs. The Green party. Talking to strangers. How fancy the restaurant was.

Most awkward moment?

Maybe when I said I thought she might be a Mancunian (she’s a Scouser).

Good table manners?

Yes, although neither of us knew which set of cutlery to use.

Best thing about Lily?

Lots of cool things going on in her life: studying; hobbies; moving around. Plus she had stayed in the wee village I lived in for a while, which was very wholesome.

Would you introduce Lily to your friends?

Why ever not!

Describe Lily in three words.

Clever, good selfie-taker, bold.

Blind date: ‘Her one dating request was “no one in finance”. I work in finance’ Read more

What do you think Lily made of you?

Definitely similar in the no-spark type thing – always convenient when that’s mutual. Hopefully a bit interesting – and maybe a bit of a daydreamer.

Did you go on somewhere?

No.

And … did you kiss?

Also no.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?

Less hay fever: I was fighting for my life half the evening. And next time I’ll check the place out on Google and dress a bit more accordingly.

Marks out of 10?

In a friendly rating, somewhere around 8. As a date, lower.

Would you meet again?

No, we’re quite different types of people. And I’m hoping to leave London asap, while Lily’s very happy here.

Lily and Brodie ate at Bombay Brasserie, London SW7. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com

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Blind date

### Blind date: ‘She seemed to like me, but I’ve been wrong about this kind of thing before’ 27 Jun 2026
### Blind date: ‘I got a bit carried away once the wine kicked in’ 20 Jun 2026
### Blind date: ‘Her one dating request was “no one in finance”. I work in finance’ 13 Jun 2026
### Blind date: ‘It felt like taking part in Blind Date was a lifelong thing she wanted to do’ 6 Jun 2026
### Blind date: ‘Most awkward moment? When he said his dad set up the date for him’ 30 May 2026
### Blind date: ‘Would we meet again? Stay tuned, divas’ 23 May 2026
### Blind date: ‘Distance shouldn’t stand in the way of love … I did have to catch the last train home though’ 16 May 2026
### Blind date: ‘I hope my handshake wasn’t too much of a red flag’ 9 May 2026

Blind date: ‘I made him take a few too many selfies…’

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Blind date: ‘I made him take a few too many selfies…’

Lily on Brodie

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Brodie on Lily

At this unsettling time

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